Book Review- The Story Keeper

   The Story  Keeper  by Lisa Wingate( Tysdale  House ,2014)   is a great read. Jen Gibbs, a successful New York city editor, is at a new position at Uda House Publishers. A mysterious manuscript appears on her desk.  Jen finds herself drawn into the manuscript - Sara & Rand and and their troubles in Appalachia.

  She has a hunch about the manuscript's author that leads her back to her hometown ( which she had thought she had left forever) . Shes goes through many twists and turns - some with her estranged family and begins to work out the author of the manuscript that entail a lot of hard feelings to stare out with . When you get to the end you 'll just want more story!

Making Easter Gifts!

   Every year I try to make a little something for all the girls( my Mom, my sistier and sister in law's , my niece,  ) So this year I decided to make pot holders ( again) . But I figured you can never have to many potholders. I did most of this by hand and then finished them up by machine.  I used blues , yellows, and pinks- all the springy colors.
  I find it very relaxing to do both hand and machine sewing. Usually they come out very nice. So I have a nice handmake gift to f give that is also useful!  What could be better than that?

Cook Book Review- Sheet Pan Dinners

    This cookbook, Sheet Pan Dinners ( Gilbert , 2014) provides excellent ideas for an easy way to get dinner on the table with not a lot of cleanup.  Molly Gilbert , who began as a blogger of Dunkandcrumble.com has an easy going style. Her recipes are divided into chapters with like entrees. I want to try them all!

   The recipes are short with mostly just a few ingredients that you may already have on hand, or can easily get. Nothing to exotic or fancy or expensive.  I really like the fish and chicken recipes because that is what we mostly eat.  Soy Mustard Salmon & Broccoli and Honey Orange Shrimp with Bok Choy are fabulous!
Pepperoni French Bread pizza ( and our own variations) are a regular Friday night staple at our house.

  The sides section is also great because it helps you come up with some new and different side dishes. They are easy to prepare , throw in the oven, and easy to clean up.

  Any way I think this is a great book.  And a wonderful shower gift. get this book, a sheet pan, make  pot holders and you are good to go!

Happy Holiday's!

 I want to wish everyone happy holidays and also a healthy and happy New Year!  It was so nice to see family and friends on Christmas. We had delicious meals and hosted a  birthday dinner , and visited family.   To me that is what the Holidays are all about.

  I did not do much sewing or writing  but cooking and baking is up there on the top of my list!

New items on ETSY!

I just started putting some items on Etsy- check them out!
This is a set of potholders- yellow and barn red. 81/2 by 8 1/2 . Coming soon will be a set of 4 place mats.

Shadylanequilts/ETSY